Newmarket Town striker Stan Leech reflects on four-goal salvo in Isthmian League North Division derby victory over Mildenhall Town

Newmarket Town striker Stan Leech believes that there is still plenty more to come – both from himself and the team – following his derby heroics on Monday.

Forty-eight hours on from preserving their unbeaten start to the new season with a 1-1 draw at Walthamstow, Leech bagged all of the Jockeys’ goals as they ran out 4-1 winners over neighbouring Mildenhall Town at the NYO Stadium.

“I’ve only ever scored three in a game, never four,” said the centre-forward.

“It was one of those where all of the chances seemed to fall for me, but I have to say at least two of them were down to my team-mates. They’ve done all of the hard work and I’ve just tapped the ball in.

“It does mean more when it comes in a derby like that – those are the games as players you look out for when the fixtures come out.

“But the performance of the team was the big thing, like it has been all season so far. There’s a real feeling that everything is coming together, both on a personal level and for the team.

“We know we have to go and do it over a longer period, but it does feel like something is happening and we’ve got a good thing going. We’ve got a bit of momentum and there’s definitely more to come.”

For Leech, there is also a sense that he is making up for lost time.

After joining Newmarket from Cambridge City in the summer of 2024, he was absent for both the Christmas period and several weeks between late January and early March last term with a hamstring injury. He also missed a large part of pre-season, but five goals so far this term would suggest that those fitness concerns are behind him.

And Leech has credited boss Michael Shinn for sticking by him during his spell on the sidelines.

“I had two injuries last year so it does feel like I’m making up for lost time a little bit now,” added Leech.

“It was massive for me that Shinny kept faith in me. When I tore my hamstring he could have easily looked to move me on or not wanted me around until I was back fit, but he always wanted me around and kept me involved.

“He stuck with me and that was important. It made me feel like I still had a role to play and as a forward that gives you confidence.”

Leech and his team-mates will aim to keep the good feeling going on Saturday at home against Woodford Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup (3pm).

But while The Woods may ply their trade a level below in the non-league ladder, having played against them during his days with Saffron Walden, Leech is well aware that Newmarket will need to be at their best to progress.

“It’s a huge game for us as players and the club as well,” he said.

“But they are no mugs. I’ve played them multiple times and they can be very dangerous and well drilled.

“They’re the league below but as players we’re going to need to be 10/10 to make sure we get through to the next round.”

After hosting Woodford, Newmarket will welcome fellow Isthmian League North Division side Wroxham to the NYO Stadium in the first round of the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday (7.45pm).